National Weather Service: Tri-State susceptible to brush fires

NWS issues 'red flag warning' Thursday

Even though it has been cold and wet in the Tri-State the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the Tri-State. A red flag warning means that the conditions are right for brush fires to start and spread.

Two weeks ago in Ludlow, Kentucky, brush fires broke out, in part because of the dry conditions. Then, today we had a “red flag warning” issued for portions of the Tri-State by the National Weather Service.

What that means is conditions are favorable for fires which could easily get out of the control.

There are three main reasons for the warning.

Fuel load is the first; it’s the potential fuel from things like underbrush and dry grassy fields. The cold weather has also helped add to this fuel by keeping vegetation dormant -- the greener it gets, the more moisture it contains. At this point, vegetation is anything but green, which leaves more fuel as kindling.

Wind is also a major reason for the warning. Winds are expected to be 10 to 20 miles an hour with gusts up to 25 mph, which is more than enough to fan the flames.

Wind not only helps the fires spread, but if the fire becomes large enough, it can create its own environment. Increasing winds dry out surrounding foliage creating more fuel, and even form into “fire whirls” which are high, twisting towers of flame.

The last factor is topography, or the shape of the land. Fire likes to move up rather than down, so a valley fire can quickly spread.

Fire does occur naturally from lightning; however most fires in our area happen from improperly burning debris, people discarding lit cigarettes, and sparks that occur around railroad tracks or farm equipment.

All you have to do is bend down and feel the grass to tell how easily it could ignite.

Of course you want to take the proper precautions, but if you do see smoke or fire, make sure to call your local fire department as quickly as possible.